The victory provided a successful Atlantic Coast Conference debut for the Cardinals and to Bobby Petrino's second coaching stint at the school.

Despite the 18-point margin, Louisville showed little of the offensive efficiency expected in Petrino's return as the Cardinals outgained the Hurricanes 336-244 in a ragged game offensively for both teams. Louisville's new 3-4 defense provided many of the opportunities by forcing three takeaways, including one that followed a costly fumble by Cardinals quarterback Will Gardner inside his 15.

After Louisville held Miami to a field goal following Gardner's second fumble in the third quarter, Brown's TD provided a 21-13 cushion. Christian's scoring pass from Gardner with 1:43 remaining sealed the win.